MONTGOMERY, Alabama --- Gov. Robert Bentley visited Julia Tutwiler Prison for the first time today, and the state has hired a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm to help address problems at the troubled prison for women.

The Department of Corrections hired The Moss Group, which has expertise in criminal justice management and sexual safety in confinement, according to the governor’s office.

In a statement, Bentley said The Moss Group would help continue what he said have been significant improvements at Tutwiler.

“The issues at Tutwiler cannot be changed overnight, but with the reform efforts already underway combined with the technical assistance provided by the Moss Group, Tutwiler will be a better facility for the staff who work there and the inmates who are incarcerated there,” the governor said.

A contract with TMG will be finalized over the next month, according to the governor’s office.